The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress

Bar Exam Toolbox

The Bar Exam Toolbox podcast helps bar takers pass with less stress and anxiety. Hosted by bar exam experts Lee Burgess and Alison Monahan, the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast covers a wide variety of topics, ranging from how to learn and memorize all the law you need to know for the bar exam, to how to write a passing essay, to how to get bar exam accommodations. If you're struggling with the bar exam, or work with students who are, tune in for practical strategies for bar exam success!

  1. 3d ago

    Listen and Learn -- MBE vs. NextGen Multiple Choice: Intentional Torts

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're working through four multiple-choice questions on intentional torts -- two in the classic MBE style, two in the new NextGen style. What differences can you expect between the two exam versions? Find out now! In this episode, we discuss: Question 1: Assault, battery, and transferred intent (MBE) Question 2: Consent and its scope (MBE) Question 3: Consent and its scope (NextGen) Question 4: Issue-spotting (NextGen) Study tips for multiple-choice questions RAMP study tool Resources: RAMP: Adaptive Bar Exam Prep (https://barexamtoolbox.com/what-is-ramp-bar-prep/) Podcast Episode 103: Listen and Learn – Assault and Battery (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-103-listen-and-learn-assault-and-battery/) Podcast Episode 252: Listen and Learn – Property-Based Intentional Torts (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-252-listen-and-learn-property-based-intentional-torts/) Podcast Episode 314: Listen and Learn – False Imprisonment and Shopkeeper's Privilege (Torts) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-314-listen-and-learn-false-imprisonment-and-shopkeepers-privilege-torts/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-361-listen-and-learn-mbe-vs-nextgen-multiple-choice-intentional-torts/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

  2. Oct 12

    Most Bar Prep Wasn't Built for an ADHD Brain

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode we look at the features of standard bar prep programs that make them poorly suited for students with ADHD and other learning differences. We offer practical fixes -- such as short study blocks, externalized planning, open-book practice, and self-aware scheduling -- that benefit anyone struggling with attention and burnout during bar study. In this episode, we discuss: Where bar prep fails students with ADHD How standard bar prep is built What you can shift to make studying better suited for your brain How to study if you're a retaker What our RAMP bar prep tool looks like Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) RAMP: Adaptive Bar Exam Prep (https://barexamtoolbox.com/what-is-ramp-bar-prep/) Podcast Episode 255: Quick Tips – Best Bar Exam Study Habits for Takers w/ADHD (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-255-quick-tips-best-bar-exam-study-habits-for-takers-w-adhd/) Podcast Episode 261: Quick Tips – Bar Exam Accommodations Basics (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-261-quick-tips-bar-exam-accommodations-basics/) Podcast Episode 349: This Is How Your Brain Actually Learns (The Brain Science Behind Our RAMP Tool) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-349-this-is-how-your-brain-actually-learns-the-brain-science-behind-our-ramp-tool/) Podcast Episode 357: Can AI Be Your Bar Exam Tutor? (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-357-can-ai-be-your-bar-exam-tutor/) Bar Exam Success with ADHD: A Comprehensive Study Guide for Neurodivergent Law Students (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-success-with-adhd-a-comprehensive-study-guide-for-neurodivergent-law-students/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-360-most-bar-prep-wasnt-built-for-an-adhd-brain/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on  Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

  3. Oct 5

    Listen and Learn -- MBE vs. NextGen Multiple Choice: Real Property Easements

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're working through four questions on real property -- two in the classic MBE style, two in the new NextGen style. We cover how easements are created and terminated, and we touch on the topic of real estate sales contracts. In this episode, we discuss: Question 1: Creation of easements (MBE) Question 2: Scope and termination of easements (MBE) Question 3: Scope and termination of easements (NextGen) Question 4: Issue-spotting (NextGen) Study tips for multiple-choice questions RAMP study tool Resources: RAMP: Adaptive Bar Exam Prep (https://barexamtoolbox.com/what-is-ramp-bar-prep/) Podcast Episode 122: Listen and Learn – Easements (Real Property) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-epiusode-122-listen-and-learn-easements-real-property/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-359-listen-and-learn-mbe-vs-nextgen-multiple-choice-real-property-easements/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

  4. Sep 28

    What We're Learning from the July 2026 Bar Results

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing what we have learned so far from the July 2026 bar exam results, noting why sometimes there is a discrepancy between how people felt they did versus the actual score they received. We share some recommendations for unsuccessful takers, including analyzing score reports, honestly auditing weaknesses, and changing study methods -- especially considering the NextGen transition ahead.  In this episode, we discuss: July 2026 bar results are starting to roll in -- what are bar takers sharing so far? Why self-assessment of how you did can be unreliable How to audit your exam results if you failed Handling the waiting period for results -- what to do instead of worrying Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp) Podcast Episode 357: Can AI Be Your Bar Exam Tutor? (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-357-can-ai-be-your-bar-exam-tutor/) Five Famous People Who Failed the Bar (https://barexamtoolbox.com/five-famous-people-who-failed-the-bar/) Just Took the Bar Exam? Why You Shouldn't Obsess Over Results (https://barexamtoolbox.com/just-took-the-bar-exam-why-you-shouldnt-obsess-over-results/) How to Handle the Waiting Period for Bar Results (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-handle-the-waiting-period-for-bar-results/) 25 Ways to Distract Yourself from Bar Results (https://barexamtoolbox.com/25-ways-distract-bar-results/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-358-what-were-learning-from-the-july-2026-bar-results/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on  Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

  5. Sep 14

    Can AI Be Your Bar Exam Tutor?

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we discuss whether AI can effectively serve as a bar exam tutor, weighing its usefulness for scheduling, pattern-spotting, and simplifying admin tasks against its weaknesses, such as unreliable feedback and using outdated legal content. In this episode, we discuss: Recent headlines around the bar exam and AI use Where AI goes wrong in bar prep The failure of the California bar experiment Smart ways to use AI as a bar studier Resources: https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp) The New York Times: I'm Begging You: Never Write With A.I. (https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/04/opinion/artificial-intelligence-ai-writing.html) NCBE Announces National Mean for July 2026 MBE (https://www.ncbex.org/news-resources/ncbe-announces-national-mean-july-2026-mbe) NextGen UBE Content Scope (https://www.ncbex.org/exams/nextgen/content-scope) Pomodoro Technique (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique) Need to Get More Done in Law School? Try The Circles. (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/08/tips-time-management-awesomeness-with-the-circles/) Breaking: California Bar Exam Shakeup | New Kaplan Partnership Explained (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0UAx2fdPI8&list=PLT5txTOjOHmTwR9HiPiib3N-STp7PxM-O&index=15&t=376s) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-357-can-ai-be-your-bar-exam-tutor/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on  Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

  6. Aug 31

    Quick Tips -- 10 Mental Resets to Get You Through the Bar Exam

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we share 10 "mental reset" mantras to help bar exam takers manage self-doubt, panic, and setbacks on exam day. In this episode, we discuss: Why mental resets matter, especially on exam day Dealing with forgetting the law or being overwhelmed by the facts in the question Choosing an answer when a multiple-choice question feels impossible Staying present in the exam and avoiding negative thoughts Coming up with your own "why" Resources: Help! My Bar Exam Practice Scores Are Going Down! (https://barexamtoolbox.com/help-my-bar-exam-practice-scores-are-going-down/) Tips for Taking the MBE from Someone Who Struggles with Multiple Choice (https://barexamtoolbox.com/tips-for-taking-the-mbe-from-someone-who-struggles-with-multiple-choice/) Podcast Episode 139: How to Issue Spot an Exam Question (w/Live Example) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-139-issue-spot-exam-question-w-live-example/) Podcast Episode 196: Quick Tips – What to Do If You Forget the Law on Exam Day (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-196-quick-tips-what-to-do-if-you-forget-the-law-on-exam-day/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-356-quick-tips-10-mental-resets-to-get-you-through-the-bar-exam/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on  Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

  7. Aug 10

    Listen and Learn -- MBE vs. NextGen Multiple Choice: Criminal Law (Fourth Amendment)

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This episode is part of the series in which we illustrate the shift from MBE to NextGen multiple-choice questions. Today we're walking through four questions on criminal law and procedure, related to search and seizure. Join Lee and practice multiple-choice questions in the classic MBE style and the new NextGen format. In this episode, we discuss: Question 1: Search warrant exceptions (MBE) Question 2: Search and seizure (MBE) Question 3: Search and seizure (NextGen) Question 4: Issue-spotting (NextGen) Study tips for multiple-choice questions RAMP study tool Resources: RAMP: Adaptive Bar Exam Prep (https://barexamtoolbox.com/what-is-ramp-bar-prep/) Illinois v. Wardlow (https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/528/119/) Podcast Episode 141: Listen and Learn – The Fourth Amendment (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-141-listen-and-learn-the-fourth-amendment/) Podcast Episode 154: Listen and Learn – The Exclusionary Rule (Criminal Law and Procedure) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-154-listen-and-learn-the-exclusionary-rule-criminal-law-and-procedure/) Podcast Episode 173: Listen and Learn – Criminal Procedure: Warrant Requirements (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-173-listen-and-learn-criminal-procedure-warrant-requirements/) Podcast Episode 220: Listen and Learn – Exceptions to the Warrant Requirement (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-220-listen-and-learn-exceptions-to-the-warrant-requirement/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-355-listen-and-learn-mbe-vs-nextgen-multiple-choice-criminal-law-fourth-amendment/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

  8. Jul 20

    Listen and Learn -- MBE vs. NextGen Multiple Choice: Evidence

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This episode is part of the series in which we demystify the shift from MBE to NextGen multiple-choice questions. Today we're walking through four questions on evidence -- two in classic MBE style and two in the NextGen format. Join us and practice your understanding of hearsay exceptions and character evidence! In this episode, we discuss: Question 1: Hearsay exceptions (MBE) Question 2: Statement not offered for the truth (MBE) Question 3: Statement not offered for the truth (NextGen) Question 4: Character evidence (NextGen) Study tips for multiple-choice questions RAMP study tool Resources: https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp) Podcast Episode 89: Listen and Learn – What Is Hearsay? (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-89-listen-and-learn-what-is-hearsay/) Podcast Episode 101: Listen and Learn – Present Sense Impression vs. State of Mind (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-101-listen-and-learn-present-sense-impression-vs-state-of-mind/) Podcast Episode 114: Listen and Learn – Non-Hearsay (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-114-listen-and-learn-non-hearsay/) Podcast Episode 115: Listen and Learn – Dying Declaration vs. Excited Utterance (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-115-listen-and-learn-dying-declaration-vs-excited-utterance/) Podcast Episode 121: Listen and Learn – Character Evidence (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-121-listen-and-learn-character-evidence/) Podcast Episode 132: Listen and Learn – Hearsay Exceptions: Government and Business Records (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-132-listen-and-learn-hearsay-exceptions-government-and-business-records/) Podcast Episode 138: Listen and Learn – Hearsay Exceptions: Prior Testimony and Past Recollection Recorded (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-138-listen-and-learn-hearsay-exceptions-prior-testimony-and-past-recollection-recorded/) Podcast Episode 143: Listen and Learn – More Hearsay Exceptions (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-143-listen-and-learn-more-hearsay-exceptions/) Podcast Episode 158: Listen and Learn – Multiple Hearsay (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-158-listen-and-learn-multiple-hearsay/) Podcast Episode 214: Listen and Learn – Relevance Issues (Evidence) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-214-listen-and-learn-relevance-issues-evidence/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-354-listen-and-learn-mbe-vs-nextgen-multiple-choice-evidence/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

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About

The Bar Exam Toolbox podcast helps bar takers pass with less stress and anxiety. Hosted by bar exam experts Lee Burgess and Alison Monahan, the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast covers a wide variety of topics, ranging from how to learn and memorize all the law you need to know for the bar exam, to how to write a passing essay, to how to get bar exam accommodations. If you're struggling with the bar exam, or work with students who are, tune in for practical strategies for bar exam success!

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